After a long day at work, all you want to do is relax with your dog, right? Some dogs are happiest when snuggling on your lap while you binge watch your favorite show. However, many dogs need help calming down. Here are a few tips to help your tireless dog rest when you need to unwind.

Make sure you’re meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs. Too often folks expect their dogs to chill out when they return home from work when their dogs have been alone, often sleeping, all day. Unfortunately, that’s an unfair expectation. For some dogs, a neighborhood jaunt sufficiently provides what they need to nap while you eat dinner and catch up with your partner. However, some pups need a much longer walk, a hearty game of fetch or tug, or training. Tricks, games, and exercise are great ways to burn energy AND have fun with your dog, so he’s more likely to sit around with you.

Teach your dog to relax.

Some dogs don’t naturally know how to relax—they always need to be doing or into something. So, it’s your job to teach your insatiably curious canine how to do nothing when you need it most. For your busy-bee dog, practice the Do Nothing Game, so he gets rewarded for, well, doing nothing (a variation on Sue Sternberg’s the Nothing Game).

Step One: Grab a handful of non-smelly treats (broken into teeny tiny pieces) and your smartphone. Pull up the clock application on your phone and click on the stopwatch. Next, start the timer and place your treats behind your back. If your dog is not barking and not jumping for five seconds, say “yes” and treat him. Repeat at the ten-second mark, repeat at the 15-second mark, and continue for one to two minutes.

Step Two: Assess your dog’s capabilities. Was Doing Nothing for five-second increments easy for your dog? If yes, then, begin treating at the ten-second mark and in ten-second increments the next day. If the exercise was extremely difficult for your dog, use less exciting treats and treat him in two-second increments. Now you see why I suggested TEENY TINY treats, don’t you?

Step Three: Increase the time your dog has to Do Nothing, based on his personality and capabilities. You’re not in competition with anyone, and every dog is different. If it takes an entire month for your dog not to dance around, not tap his paws, not nudge you, and not bark for ten-second increments, it’s time well spent because you’re teaching him to do what you want—relax.

The longer it takes for your dog to learn this game, the harder it is for him to relax, and the more important it is for you to practice.

Be proactive before you sit back. If you’ve had a crazy day and can’t walk or train your endless energy dog, give him something to occupy himself before you sit down for the night. Providing a hearty chew (supervised, of course) or a frozen Kong prevents begging for attention, chewing up shoes, and barking at every neighbor who passes your home. If you’re giving your dog a lot of bones and toys to prevent naughty behavior, please revisit the first section. Your dog may need more mental or physical exercise.

Never reinforce unwanted behavior.

One of the easiest mistakes to make is you sit on the sofa, ready to relax and your dog barks, so you grab a bully stick from the pantry to occupy him. Unfortunately, giving a chew toy, at that moment, will reward your dog for barking. Don’t wait for your dog to act out to give him a busy toy, give it to him as a preventative tool before you sit down, and before he barks.

Not all dogs love relaxing and napping. However, with practice, you can teach your perpetually peppy puppy to hang out with you, without always needing something to do.

Many dog problems arise from one main issue—lack of impulse control. Your dog sees another dog across the street, leftover dinner on the table, a squirrel running up the tree, or a child tossing a ball at the park, and he MUST HAVE IT. Whether your dog is pulling, jumping, or grabbing what’s not his, it’s embarrassing and potentially dangerous.

Teaching your dog or puppy to “wait” will prevent a trip to the emergency room because he devoured a chocolate bar from your purse or chased a critter into a busy street, pulling you along with him.

Here’s how to teach your dog to pause when he wants something.

STEP ONE: Start with the most boring treat possible. If the treat is only mildly appealing, your dog will more likely understand that “wait” means wait. Hold the treat over your dog’s head and if he’s not jumping, not barking, and not grabbing the treat from your hand, say “yes” and give your dog the cookie. Repeat the exercise using the same treat a few more times.

STEP TWO: Use a more appealing treat OR ask your dog to wait longer for the same treat. For dogs to succeed, you can’t increase two aspects of difficulty at the same time. You’ll confuse your poor pup. By increasing the value of the treat separately from requiring a longer “wait” time, your dog will understand what you want MUCH quicker. Repeat this step every day for at least a few days.

STEP THREE: Ask your dog to “wait” for everything he likes: walks, food, couch time, toys, and play. If your dog loves walks and jumps around like a wackadoo when you’re trying to get outside, don’t wait until you’re opening the door to ask for a “wait.” Give the cue as you walk towards the door, “yes” and grab the leash if he’s still calm (this may mean kinda sorta composed, tranquility takes time for some dogs). Grab your keys if he’s not jumping around. Say “yes” and place your hand on the doorknob if he’s not squealing and nipping your arms. To your dog, every movement you make indicates he’s going outside. Use your interactions to encourage good behavior, and you’ll not only have a better behaved dog, but you’ll use less treats teaching him to be a good boy.

Avoid common mistakes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had friends show off their dog’s best trick by placing a treat on the ground and saying “leave it, leave it, leave it.” Then, they tell their dog “ok” while I stand there wondering how confusing it must be for the dog. First, the treat was forbidden, then the treat wasn’t forbidden.

Use “leave it” for items that are always off limits, and “wait” for permitted items.

The second issue I commonly see is folks practice “wait” with treats and food but not with other life rewards. If you’re not practicing “wait” at the door, your dog is not going to learn to calmly, patiently wait at the door. If your dog is too excited or you lack the patience to train “wait” at the door, practice AFTER a walk or playtime in the backyard. If your dog is tired, he’ll be more likely to await instruction before walking through the door—saving time and frustration.

The last unwritten rule: Don’t make your dog work for something he hates. If you have a hard time getting your dog to eat, it doesn’t make sense having him “wait” for dinner. You’ll only add social pressure to a situation where your dog is already struggling. Your time is better spent placing his toys in a closet and having him “wait” before you initiate a tug or fetch game. And, remember “wait” is not “sit.”

You’re looking for calm, polite behavior before you give your dog what he wants. If you practice “wait” throughout the day, your dog will learn patience, even when he sees something he REALLY wants.

Memorial Day weekend is the official kickoff to summer. And, midwesterners relish the occasion to celebrate longer days, SUN and lots of outside time with our pups. Some dogs enjoy being a part of big, backyard barbecues and loud family gatherings at local parks. But, not all canines enjoy the shenanigans and festivities. Here are a few tips to make sure everyone stays safe, has a ball and does not end up spending their holiday weekend apologizing and stressed out.

And, take some frozen Kongs or favorite toys (not if your dog likes to guard) so your pooch can busy him or herself while you enjoy time with other guests. Always keep your dog close, especially outside. Attaching your dog to a tree, 30-feet away from you, while you chat and laugh would be very upsetting for almost all dogs. And, why bother bringing your canine goofball if he or she will be ostracized during the entire event?

New rescue dog or fearful dog There is a lot of unpredictability at holiday functions so this is not the time to introduce a fretful dog to friends nor show off your new rescue dog. Lots of people coming at an anxious mutt can REALLY reinforce fears. And, a dog who is just getting to know and trust you may not have fully shown all of his or her true colors. Testing a dog’s temperament around children and loud noises can wreak havoc on everyone’s holiday.

And, speaking of tying to a tree. Good gravy, never ever do it. But, especially with a new pup or fearful dog. It just takes a second for a toddler to approach and hug your dog without your knowledge; putting a restrained, scared pup in a VERY bad position. If he or she can not flee, a bite is a real possibility. And, NO ONE wants to lose their dog or be responsible for another person’s injury.

Consider weather and dangerous foods Make sure to pack a bag just for your dog with a favorite blanket to relax on (only if no other dogs will be attending or if your dog is very polite about sharing his or her “stuff”), lots and lots of water and a water bowl. We REALLY love the Kool Collar for warmer days. But, that does not mean your dog should be outside for hours on a 90-degree day. If the forecast is scheduled to be super hot, plan to take your pup somewhere to cool off every 15 minutes or so. Remember, our dogs are ALWAYS wearing a fur coat and can VERY quickly overheat.

Humans indulge during holidays but, this is not the time to feed your pup every table scrap. You will both pay for the dietary indiscretions for days to come. And, at worst, if someone sneaks your pooch something from the dangerous food list, you could end up in the emergency room. Take your own treats and an extra meal if you plan to stay for awhile so you can avoid poop soup. Ewwww!

Other dogs So, your cousin is in town and wants to bring their pup to the party, too? SO fun, right? Just because they are both dogs does not mean they will instantly love each other. Ask yourself and your friend or family member these questions. Does your dog LOVE other dogs? Has your dog ever bitten or growled at another dog? Has your pup even been around any other dogs, ever or recently? If the answers were no, yes OR no; work out a system where one dog joins the party this time and the other dog is invited to the next soiree’. A dog fight or scuffle is sure fire way to kill the party mood.

If it seems like all puppies are social butterflies, be sure all resources (food, beds, toys, etc.) are locked away. And, do slow introductions in a large circle in a neutral space for a few minutes, watching their body language, before even considering removing the leashes (in an enclosed area only, please).

We hope these pointers will help your dog succeed this holiday weekend. If we are all honest about what our pups enjoy and can handle behaviorally; the summer will kick off to a MUCH happier start for all!